Employers' perceptions of employees with mental retardation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Olson, Deborah | Cioffi, Andrea | Yovanoff, Paul | Mank, David

Affiliations: University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1235, USA | Indiana University

Note: [] Tel.: +1 541/346 2483; Fax: +1 541/346 5517; E-mail: dlolson@oregon.uoregon.edu

Abstract: The attitudes of employers of people with mental retardation were examined through a survey distributed nationally. Employers of all sizes have favorable experiences in employing people with mental retardation and value the training provided by supported employment service providers. Common accommodations to employees with mental retardation include extra supervision time, providing flexible hours and using the services of a job coach. These accommodations are perceived to be of minimal cost to the company. In terms of human resource management, employees with mental retardation are viewed as costing companies the same or less than employees without disabilities, except in the area of supervision and training. In this area, employees with mental retardation are perceived to cost more than employees without disabilities. The implications of these findings for employment support providers are discussed.

Keywords: employers perceptions, employment, mental retardation, disability

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 125-133, 2001